Angela Woolsey | FFXnow

UPDATED: Bren Mar Park Elementary deemed OK to open after two-alarm fire

Published April 19, 2026 at 4:20PM | Updated April 20, 2026 at 12:21AM

Smoke from fire at Bren Mar Park Elementary School in Lincolnia (courtesy Dave Statter/X)

A two-alarm fire broke out at Bren Mar Park Elementary School in Lincolnia this afternoon (Sunday), sending a sizable plume of black smoke into the air.

Units with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department were dispatched to the two-story school at 6344 Beryl Road around 3:22 p.m. for a building fire, according to the county’s emergency scanner.

Countywide

Virginia is experiencing its worst drought in nearly 20 years

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 17, 2026 at 3:45PM

Piney Branch Stream near the Freeman House in Vienna, seen on April 11, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The drought conditions plaguing parts of Virginia, including Fairfax County, since last fall are officially the worst the state has experienced in almost 20 years.

Yesterday (Thursday), the U.S. Drought Monitor classified over 60% of Virginia as being in a severe drought based on data collected through Tuesday (April 14). That’s the most widespread drought seen in the state since October 2007, surpassing levels recorded during previous droughts in 2008, 2010, 2023 and 2024, according to Fairfax County.

Around Town

Celebrate Reston brings ‘Hamilton,’ Wonder Wagon and more to Lake Anne Plaza

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 17, 2026 at 2:45PM

The statue of Reston founder Robert E. Simon on a bench at Lake Anne Plaza (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Reston’s annual celebration of its founding is set to return tomorrow (Saturday) — only this time, the festival will honor the nation’s origins as well.

The 2026 edition of Celebrate Reston, which was renamed last year after two decades as Founder’s Day, will feature a number of activities nodding to the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, while also putting a spotlight on the local community.

News

VHC Health expands women’s center to Tysons to meet demand

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 17, 2026 at 1:45PM

VHC Health and local officials, including Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, celebrate the opening of the Charlotte S. Benjamin Center for Women's Health in Tysons (courtesy Image Caffeine Photography)

The thousands of patients who visit VHC Health in Arlington for pregnancy-related services and other women’s health needs can now find similar care in Tysons.

The nonprofit health system celebrated the launch of a new location for the Charlotte S. Benjamin Center for Women’s Health at its Tysons Pavilion (1760 Old Meadow Road, Suite 210) with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 9.

Around Town

Fairfax County toasts America’s 250th anniversary with limited-time craft drinks

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 17, 2026 at 10:00AM

George Washington reenactor holds a bottle of The Winery at Bull Run's commemorative Independence wine (courtesy The Winery at Bull Run/U2C by Rebecca Hagy)

In addition to learning about the country’s history through educational programs or taking in local attractions, Fairfax County residents will be able to celebrate America 250 by partaking in specially crafted alcohol.

The county will unveil a series of unique craft beverages to commemorate the U.S.’s 250th anniversary, starting this Sunday (April 19) with the launch of a pair of new wines developed by Fairfax County’s two wineries.

Around Town

Traveling food festival returns today to Springfield Town Center

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 17, 2026 at 8:30AM

A woman lifts a hot dog to eat at Foodees Fest (courtesy Foodees LLC)

A food truck festival is parking at Springfield Town Center today (Friday), potentially drawing thousands of visitors over its weekend-long stay.

Foodees Fest will bring more than 40 food trucks and vendors, along with an artisan market, to the mall, starting today from 1-9 p.m.

News

Unveiled concept for new Lake Anne signs reflects midcentury origins

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 16, 2026 at 3:45PM | Updated April 21, 2026 at 5:00PM

The existing sign for Lake Anne Village Center on Baron Cameron Avenue in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County and its consultant are close to finalizing a new look for signs that will greet residents and visitors as they enter Reston’s Lake Anne Village Center.

A concept design unveiled by Streetsense at a virtual meeting on Tuesday (April 14) swaps the current fountain-oriented logo for a simplified look with blockier font intended to evoke the neighborhood’s 1960s origins and defining Brutalist architecture.

News

FlixBus adds Tysons stop as part of N. Va. service expansion

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 16, 2026 at 9:15AM

A FlixBus on the road (courtesy FlixBus)

The intercity bus service FlixBus is expanding its presence in the D.C. region with new stops in Tysons and Fredericksburg.

Launching today (Thursday), the Tysons stop on Gosnell Road at Leesburg Pike (Route 7) will provide service to Richmond and the corridor from Bethesda to New York City.

News

Police: Motorcyclist killed in crash on I-495

By Angela Woolsey

Published April 16, 2026 at 8:30AM

Location of a two-vehicle crash that killed motorcyclist on I-495 near Telegraph Road (via Google Maps)

A motorcyclist died yesterday (Wednesday) after colliding with a pickup truck on the Capital Beltway (I-495).

Around 3:54 p.m., Virginia State Police troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on the highway just west of Exit 176 to Telegraph Road in the Rose Hill area, according to a press release.

Countywide

Fairfax faces ‘moderate heat risk’ with record temperatures possible

By Angela Woolsey and Associated Press

Published April 15, 2026 at 11:15AM

Heat forecast for the D.C. region on April 15, 2026 (via National Weather Service)

Fairfax County will get an early taste of summer over the next couple of days, with temperatures expected to climb into the low to mid-90s.

While the D.C. region is no stranger to those temperatures, it would set records for this time of the year, the county government said on its emergency blog, urging residents to “take heat safety seriously” today and tomorrow (Thursday).